School Districts' Creative Budgeting Approaches Noted

Investopedia (8/30, Folger) reported that all US school systems "struggle with budgeting and finding the money that is necessary to providing high-quality education and a positive work environment for the dedicated teachers and staff." Some districts "are taking a creative approach to budgeting" in an effort to achieve those goals. This year, for instance, some schools are asking parents to purchase janitorial supplies, "copy paper, construction paper...and other arts and crafts items typically provided by the school." In California, meanwhile, one school has started requesting "donations from parents when children miss school for absences such as family vacations. During the 2008-2009 school year, this district received $20,217 in donations."